Before I Finish My Coffee Conversation: locking in for summer

Written By : Hannah Corbett

I'm sitting down with my second cup of coffee, iced this time because the first one was hot, and I have to write about something. I’ve been mulling over ideas all week, but nothing is sticking. So, I decided to just write what I’m thinking right now. 

It’s 10 a.m. and already my day feels like a race against time. I’m flying to New York for the weekend and somehow, in my procrastinator glory, I’ve left everything to the last minute. Story of my life. I woke up at 7:45, had this fleeting thought of going to a Pilates class, only to quickly realize that I wasn't going to make it in time. So, instead, I told myself, ‘Well, I’m awake now, so I might as well go for a long beach walk.’

I made my coffee, threw on my boyfriend’s oversized puffer jacket (because it’s windy but sunny and beautiful), and hit the pavement.  And the walk wasn’t just about exercising, I desperately needed to just clear my head.  I feel like the year is flying by all of a sudden, and with doing so many things that I’ve always wanted to be doing, dreaming of doing, I’ve been running out of daylight.  And I LOVE to be outside.  So I got down to the beach, threw on Emma Chamberlain’s podcast, which I'm obsessed with and walked.

But here’s what I’ve really been wanting to write about but didnt know how to start it off: the stigma surrounding workout classes on social media. You know, the full time influencers who sweat it out in hot Pilates, glowing with that effortless “I do this every day.” I’ll be honest, part of me is like, How do they do that every day? I can barely manage a few classes a week without my hair revolting. After three heated Pilates classes last week, I was literally battling with my wet, sweaty hair. I didn’t want to wash it every single day, but I did anyway because I actually had no choice. It’s like a never-ending cycle of “What’s more important, my hair or my body?” And also I work completely from home, so going to pilates is also just an extra outing for me, for the day. So when I don't go, or miss the morning class, and then I swear to myself ill go to the night class, but then dinner plans or friends come over, or something gets in the way of my prioritizing getting to class.  

I digress. But honestly, I don’t think people talk enough about the real tax when it comes to motivation. Everyone talks about getting motivated, but I've found that motivation is just a word that I throw around way too hard. The real challenge is finding the motivation, the actual reason for wanting to do something, when there’s a million other things demanding your attention. I have the monthly membership, I book the classes, and then—poof—I let other things get in the way. Work deadlines. Prioritizing a friend’s birthday over a Pilates class. The list goes on.

I’m honestly getting tired of being lazy. I mean, I’m all about balance, but there’s a fine line between taking care of yourself and using “I’m busy” as an excuse. I

Everyone’s been throwing around the phrase “lock in” lately. “I’m locked in for summer” they say, all excited about their goals. And then, I saw a girl in a video saying, “I’m locked out.” And I thought, I SO get that. Lately, I’ve been locked out of my own well-being. I’m not prioritizing my body like I should be because I feel so overwhelmed by work lately.

And here’s the thing I’ve come to realize—unfortunately, I think I might have to join the 5 a.m. club. Because, honestly, there just isn’t enough time in the day to do it all. Between work, social obligations, and everything else that demands my attention, I’m realizing that if I really want to make time for myself, it’s got to be at the crack of dawn. Maybe I’ll wake up, get in a quick workout, and feel like I’ve already won the day before the first email comes in.

But I know myself and waking up at 5 a.m. feels like a death sentence. The thought of it makes me want to pull my covers over my head and forget I even had the idea. But, alas, here I am, staring down the harsh reality that if I want to feel more locked in, I might have to start getting up earlier.

So, maybe I’ll start tomorrow. Or maybe after my next cup of coffee. Who knows? One thing is for sure, though—I can’t keep waiting for motivation to just magically appear, so I guess I have to start washing my hair everyday?

Anyway, before I finish this coffee, I think it’s safe to say we all need a little reminder that we’re in control of our own routines. And whether it’s Pilates, a walk, or just taking a moment for yourself, it’s about locking in for what feels right, not just what’s trending.